The Premier Integrative Applied Neurology and Therapeutic Laser Center of Arizona

Researchers see brain volume loss after concussion

“Researchers have discovered noticeable changes in the brains of athletes with a history of concussions, months or even years after their last injury. They observed a 10- to 20-per-cent reduction in volume in the frontal lobe as well as 25 to 35 per cent less blood flow to certain areas of the brain, particularly the frontal lobe.”

This is exactly why we recommend baseline performance tests and post-concussion evaluations. We have multiple tests to measure the functionality and integrity of the frontal lobe, and it’s associated areas.

The reason that many of these individuals lose volume in their frontal lobe is because the other areas that feed into the frontal lobe are also damaged in concussion, not just the frontal lobe itself.

colorful brain anatomy

Areas in the vestibular system (inner ear and lower brainstem), the cerebellum (information from the body) and the upper brainstem (midbrain) the area that is responsible for headaches and light and sound sensitivity are all involved and send signals to the frontal lobe completing “the big picture” of what is happening in our brain and body.

The frontal lobe is located directly in the top-front part of the brain and is responsible for:

  • initiating movement
  • focus
  • attention
  • motivation
  • dampening anxiety
  • improving mood
  • behavior and decision making
  • multitasking
  • emotions
  • fast eye movements
  • balance
  • memory
  • sleep
  • and many others

Proper identification of concussions and appropriate nutrition, supplementation and rehabilitation of the frontal lobe and surrounding areas is imperative to reduce the risk of volume loss after concussion.

Contact our office for more details.

See full article here http://goo.gl/wHd9GW

 

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Janine Crifasi, DC, CCST

Dr. Janine Crifasi, our newest team member at AZ Chiropractic Neurology, is originally from New York – which explains the accent. She attended Life Chiropractic College West and was the Centennial class’s Most Outstanding Graduate. She practiced in the Bay Area until moving closer to family to raise her son who is attending college.

Dr. Janine is committed to learning and educating people to change their awareness about their bodies’ potential and empowering them with unique methods of retraining their brains to maximize their quality of life through neuroplasticity. Her passion to help others puts her patients at ease and makes her a highly sought-after community speaker. Prior to coming to Chandler, she owned a center specializing in kids with learning disabilities and served as the northeast clinical director of a functional neurology practice, overseeing several functional neurology clinics. 

She has completed her post-doctoral clinical neuroscience studies in Functional Neurology through the Carrick Institute for Graduate Studies and has successfully completed the clinical exam and is now board eligible for the written portion. She is a Board Certified Doctor of Chiropractic for over 26 years. She has received additional extensive training in Spinal Trauma, and the Activator Method, and has a certification in Postural Neurology. 

In an effort to better serve her patients, Dr. Crifasi completed postdoctoral specialty training in blood chemistry, thyroid chemistry, brain chemistry, neuro-immune, and neuro-endocrine functional medicine. This knowledge of the brain-gut axis, and the mechanisms that impact our health, allow her to provide patients with easily implemented modifications enhancing improved lifestyle and nutraceutical recommendations as needed.